CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Louisiana Tech remained unbeaten by striking for three touchdowns in the first quarter, then another two in the third quarter to power past Illinois 52-24 at Memorial Stadium on Saturday night.
Tech raised its record to 3-0 going into Saturday’s contest at Virginia. Illinois dropped to a 2-2 record.

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• A pair of 56-point offensive explosions has helped Louisiana Tech University send an early message to Conference USA.
Yes, the Bulldogs obviously belong in that league after starting off this season with wins of 56-49 over Houston and 56-37 over Rice.
Granted, the Cougars won’t be in C-USA next year when Tech begins its affiliation.

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Nothing fancy.
Quarterback takes the snap and either hands it off to a running back or keeps it himself.
That’s the DNA of Haynesville High School’s offense and has been for seemingly eons.
Run, run and run some more.

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In what was the final nonconference match of the season for Louisiana Tech University, the team did exactly what they do best which is play stout defense and score in the second half.
The lone goal of the day was compliments of midfielder Erica Stewart, who placed a perfect ball to the back post, just out of the reach of the keeper, to notch the game-winning goal and the 1-0 win over McNeese State Friday at the Lady Techster Soccer Complex.

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CHOUDRANT — A group of dedicated racers gathered in Choudrant Saturday afternoon to compete for their chance to “sit on the throne” as the winner of the 2012 Outhouse Grand Nationals.
Approximately eight competitors lined up to face off against one another in the races — which are soapbox derby in style featuring outhouses and even toilet bowls serving as seats.
“They went really fast going down the hill,” said 9-year-old race spectator Jordan Paulson. “My favorite one was the yellow one, because it looked like a race car on the front.”

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By Laura Sloanlaura@rustonleader.com
Anyone who visited Lowe’s Home Improvement on Saturday morning was bound to get an eyeful.
The parking lot was decorated with Ruston Police Department Humvees and Ruston Fire Department trucks. Also outside were around 25 nursing students from Louisiana Tech University checking blood pressure and helping in other ways with the annual Safety Saturday event.
“Today, we’ve got blood pressure checks, a fire safety trailer, and inside the store is a clinic where kids can build wooden fire trucks,” said RFD Public Education Officer Eric Brazzel.
“There is also a fire extinguisher prop, which we are using toteach people how to use a fire extinguisher. We are making all the nursing students train on the prop, so they will know how to put out a fire.”

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A 30-year tradition at Grambling State University continues Monday and Tuesday with Founder’s Week activities.
“We celebrate Founder’s Week to commemorate the efforts of Charles P. Adams, the founder, in establishing a school while facing many challenges,” said Janis Bluford, who has served on the university’s Founder’s Week Committee since 1981. “His strength, determination and vision for this school are foundational to Grambling State University becoming the great institution it is today.”

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Area residents can eat out for a good cause on Monday.
On this day, Chili’s Grill and Bar will be donating all net profits to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital as part of a month-long campaign to help the charity.
“Chili’s wants to invite local families out to support a great cause to help fight childhood cancer,” said Doug Gibbons, a manager at Chili’s in Ruston.

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Hundreds of people gathered Thursday night inside the Thomas Assembly Center to take part in an annual outdoors tradition that always has the area getting prepared for the start of hunting season.
Whether it was for deer, duck, turkey or alligator, the approximate 800 hunters that gathered at the 33rd Annual Sportsman’s Jamboree were able to learn a thing or two before starting out their seasons.

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More than 400 racers from throughout the nation will be competing in the 19th annual Piney Hills Classic Mountain Bike Race at Lincoln Parish Park today. Riders arrived at the park Saturday afternoon to register for the competition, and more will be registering starting at 7 a.m. today.

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